Tirana – The Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party held a closed-door meeting today, with the main focus on the opposition’s strategy, which is expected to become more radical both inside and outside Parliament. Exclusive sources for Euronews Albania reveal that discussions went as far as proposing an extreme scenario: declaring a hunger strike by Members of Parliament.
Radicalization of the Opposition’s Action
Monday’s meeting was initially planned to coordinate internal work, including expected developments in Thursday’s plenary session and engagement in parliamentary committees. However, most of the discussion was dedicated to ways of increasing pressure on the socialist majority, using Parliament as the main arena of resistance.
At the forefront of discussions on escalating the action were MPs Belind Këlliçi, Klevis Balliu, Saimir Korreshi, and Bledion Nallbani. These lawmakers, who have been among the strongest opposition voices in Parliament, put forward the thesis that an unprecedented move is needed—one that would draw international public attention and force the government to reflect on the opposition’s demands.
Extreme Scenario: Hunger Strike
Sources confirm that the possibility of a hunger strike inside the Parliament building was openly discussed. This idea is viewed by some MPs as the final necessary step following repeated blockades of the parliamentary podium, the use of smoke flares, and physical clashes with parliamentary guards.
The objectives of such a radical action would be:
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Restoring Parliamentary Legitimacy: The opposition’s primary demand remains the implementation of the Constitution and the restoration of normality in Parliament, allowing the opposition to exercise its oversight rights.
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Demands for Electoral Reform: Fulfillment of demands for a comprehensive electoral reform that guarantees free and fair elections.
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Escalation of Protests: A hunger strike inside Parliament or elsewhere outside would serve as a magnet to further radicalize protests taking place simultaneously outside the institution.
No Concrete Decision
Although the hunger strike proposal was discussed in depth, sources emphasize that no concrete or binding decision was taken at today’s meeting. Group leaders and MPs will continue consultations and assess the situation before undertaking such extreme steps. Nevertheless, this discussion marks the highest level of contemplated radicalization by the Democratic Party to date.